Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a distinguished Nigerian virologist, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s continuous exclusion from the position of Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Despite having highly qualified candidates, Nigeria has never held this influential position, which Tomori attributes to a lack of governmental support, particularly from the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The election process for the next Regional Director is underway, with five candidates proposed by various member states, including Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tanzania. The African Regional Committee of WHO will vote in a closed meeting during its 74th session from August 26 to 30 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The nominated candidate will be submitted for appointment by the WHO Executive Board in January 2025, with the newly appointed Regional Director assuming office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term.
Tomori’s concerns highlight the limitations this exclusion imposes on Nigerian citizens’ career progression and aspirations within the organization. He emphasizes the need for governmental support to enhance Nigeria’s contributions to global health leadership and WHO Africa’s mission.